LITTLE ROCK (AP) — The Arkansas Health Department said it has logged its first heat-related death of the year.

The agency said Thursday it couldn’t release details about the victim because of health privacy laws.

The department says senior citizens, the very young and people with chronic diseases are most vulnerable to being stricken due to the heat.

Last year, 17 people in Arkansas because of the heat.

Even though certain groups are more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses, the department notes that anyone exerting themselves in the heat is exposed to having health problems. Drinking plenty of water, wearing light-colored clothing and knowing when to take a break are important tools in avoiding heat-related illness.